Fredens Kirke, Odense
A luminous 1920 “Church of Peace” in Odense’s Skibhus Quarter, blending Jensen Klint’s thoughtful brick architecture with stained glass, music and local community life.
Fredens Kirke rises at the crossroads of Skibhusvej and Døckerslundvej in Odense’s Skibhus Quarter, a luminous Lutheran church steeped in local history and early 20th‑century optimism. Consecrated in 1920 and designed by renowned architect P.V. Jensen Klint, the church combines handcrafted yellow‑white brickwork, stepped gables and Gothic‑inspired windows with a welcoming, bright interior. Inside, vaulted arches, stained‑glass mosaics and a fine Marcussen & Søn organ create a serene space that still anchors community life with services, concerts and events.
A brief summary to Fredens Kirke
- Skibhusvej 162, Odense, Odense C, 5000, DK
- +4566128701
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-1:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-1:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-1:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-1:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-1:30 pm
Local tips
- Step inside during daylight hours if possible; the stained-glass mosaics are at their most striking when sunlight slants through the tall western windows.
- Check the church’s own program for organ concerts or choral events, which make excellent use of the Marcussen & Søn organ and the clear acoustics.
- Take a slow lap around the exterior to notice the handcrafted brickwork, stepped gables and the unusual street-facing entrance that sets the church apart.
- Plan a few extra minutes to wander the churchyard and surrounding paths, a quiet contrast to the traffic along Skibhusvej.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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City bus from central Odense
From central Odense, use a city bus line running along Skibhusvej toward the Skibhus Quarter; typical travel time from the main shopping streets is around 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Buses usually run several times an hour on weekdays and slightly less often in the evening and on Sundays. A single adult ticket within the city zone generally costs in the range of 20–30 DKK when bought via local ticket apps or machines. The bus stops within a short walk of the church and is a practical option in wet or cold weather.
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Bicycle from Odense city centre
Odense is well suited to cycling, and reaching Fredens Kirke by bike from the compact city centre typically takes about 10–15 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route uses regular city streets with bicycle lanes on much of the way, but you still need to be comfortable riding in mixed urban traffic. There is no direct cost beyond any bike rental; many rentals in Odense offer daily rates in the range of 80–150 DKK depending on type of bicycle.
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Taxi within Odense
A taxi ride from the central station area to Skibhusvej near Fredens Kirke usually takes around 10 minutes outside rush hour. Fares within the city are typically in the range of 120–180 DKK, varying with traffic and time of day. Taxis are a convenient option in bad weather or for those with limited mobility, as they can drop passengers very close to the church entrance, but there is no dedicated taxi stand at the site itself.
Fredens Kirke location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Fredens Kirke
A neighborhood church born from hope after war
Fredens Kirke stands in the heart of Odense’s Skibhus Quarter, where compact city streets open onto a small rise crowned by pale brick and red tiles. Conceived in the years around the First World War, the parish decided in 1913 that this fast‑growing district needed its own church, but fundraising and wartime austerity delayed construction. Foundation stones were finally laid in 1918, and on 26 September 1920 the church was consecrated, deliberately timed to coincide with King Christian X’s 50th birthday. Its name, literally “The Church of Peace”, reflects gratitude for the end of the war and a desire to root the quarter in stability and community. From the beginning, it was more than a place for Sunday worship; it became a gathering point where the new urban workers’ district could mark life’s milestones, from christenings to farewells.Distinctive architecture by P.V. Jensen Klint
Fredens Kirke was designed by Peder Vilhelm Jensen Klint, the visionary architect later known for Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen. Here, he experimented on a more intimate scale, mixing references to medieval Danish churches with bold, almost sculptural forms. The church is built of handcrafted white‑yellow bricks resting on a base of rough‑split fieldstones, all unified by whitewashed surfaces and a roof of earthy red clay tiles. Look closely at the gables and you see gently curved, double‑ and triple‑stepped outlines that soften the otherwise robust massing. Tall, pointed windows recall Gothic cathedrals, yet the proportions feel deliberately modest, tailored to the surrounding streets. Unusually, the building turns its main entrance directly toward Skibhusvej, so the altar faces west instead of east – a practical choice for the corner plot that quietly breaks with a centuries‑old tradition.A luminous interior of arches, glass and chandeliers
Stepping inside, you move from busy traffic into a calm, pale space framed by Gothic‑style arches that carry the eye down the nave. Five large brass chandeliers, designed by Esben Klint, the architect’s grandson, hang in a gentle rhythm and lend the interior a warm, golden light when lit. The walls remain largely undecorated, allowing the architecture, woodwork and glass to speak for themselves. Behind the altar, three stained‑glass mosaics by artist Johs. Kragh filter daylight into rich jewel tones that shift with the weather. Additional mosaic windows to the north and east add depth and color, particularly noticeable on bright days when colored shafts of light reach across the pews. The combination of white surfaces, brick details and dark timber gives the church a restrained, almost Scandinavian simplicity that feels both historic and contemporary.Music and craftsmanship in the organ loft
High on the west end stands the church’s organ, built in 1958 by the esteemed firm Marcussen & Søn. With 29 stops over three manuals and pedals, it is a substantial instrument for a parish church, capable of everything from delicate, transparent chorales to full, resonant festival music. Esben Klint also drew the organ façade, echoing the stepped rhythms and vertical lines found elsewhere in the building. Organ recitals, seasonal concerts and choral performances make the most of the generous acoustics, where brick and plaster reflect sound with clarity. Even when silent, the instrument forms a visual anchor above the entrance, its pipes and carpentry reinforcing the church’s focus on crafted detail and durable materials.Churchyard, parish hall and everyday life
Outside, a low wall of light brick and red tiles gently encloses the churchyard, separating it from the surrounding streets without shutting them out. The grounds, laid out by landscape architect P. Wad, combine paths, plantings and simple greenery that invite quiet pauses. To one side, a parish hall added in 1981 by noted church architects Inge and Johannes Exner introduces modern lines while respecting the original scale and materials. On weekdays, office hours, meetings, choir rehearsals and community activities animate the complex, while Sundays draw people into the nave for worship. Over a century after its consecration, Fredens Kirke still fulfills the role it was built for: a local landmark where architecture, faith and neighborhood life meet under a single red‑tiled roof.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Odense St.
1.4 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
1.5 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Oceania
2.0 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
visit
2.0 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
2.1 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
2.4 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
TheDoorOdense
3.4 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
3.4 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
Jernalderlandsbyen Odins Odense
4.4 km
Discover Danish and international art at Bredgade Kunsthandel, an elegant gallery in central Copenhagen’s historic Frederiksstaden near top cultural landmarks.
Sortehusene
5.2 km
Historic black houses preserving working-class resilience on Odense's waterfront.
The Funen Village
5.2 km
Experience Denmark's rural past at The Funen Village, an open-air museum in Odense featuring authentic 18th and 19th-century buildings and traditional crafts.
Det gamle vandtårn
5.9 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
Besættelsesmuseum Fyn... Besættelsesmuseum Fyn er kun åben den første søndag i måneden fra kl 11 til 15.
7.8 km
An immersive, architecturally acclaimed underground museum in Helsingør, bringing Denmark’s rich maritime history to life beside the legendary Kronborg Castle.
Sanderumgaard v/Erik Vind
11.0 km
Discover Sanderumgaard, Funen’s enchanting Romantic-era landscape park: a blend of historic estate, poetic gardens, and serene lakes just beyond Odense.
The Glavendrup Stone
12.5 km
Denmark's longest runic inscription, carved with divine invocation and protective curse.
Unmissable attractions to see
Andelstrappen og Fortællegyngestolen
0.8 km
A compact urban nook in central Odense where a sculptural storytelling swing and stepped seating invite you to pause, daydream and weave your own city tales.
Street Art - Odense Havn
0.8 km
Colossal black‑and‑white animals climb old grain silos at Odense Harbour, turning raw industrial concrete into a striking, free open‑air artwork by the water.
Thriges Kraftcentral
0.9 km
A fully operational 1916 power station where vintage diesel engines roar to life monthly, preserving a century of industrial innovation.
Odense Havnebad
1.1 km
Ship-shaped, free-to-use and open year-round, Odense Havnebad brings outdoor swimming, sauna warmth and harbour views together in the heart of urban Odense.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
1.1 km
A half-submerged Hans Christian Andersen rises from Odense Harbour, blending literary legend, protest art and waterfront atmosphere in one striking sculpture.
Promenaden Treppe
1.1 km
A simple waterside staircase where Odense’s fjord path dips towards the water, inviting you to sit, slow down, and soak in big skies and quiet coastal scenery.
North Atlantic House
1.2 km
A waterfront cultural village in Odense Harbour, where striking Nordic architecture, North Atlantic art, storytelling and cuisine meet beside the water’s edge.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
1.3 km
Explore Denmark's railway heritage aboard historic locomotives and vintage carriages in an authentic 1954 depot.
Banegårdspladsen
1.4 km
A busy railway forecourt where commuters, cyclists and an eight‑metre Hans Christian Andersen–inspired sculpture share the same lively urban stage.
Carl Nielsen Museum
1.5 km
Compact yet richly layered museum in Odense’s musical quarter, tracing Carl Nielsen’s life, music and partnership with sculptor Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen.
The City's Bridge
1.6 km
Stunning coastal headland at Funen’s northern tip, offering wild landscapes, panoramic sea views, rare birdlife, and serene walking trails in a pristine Danish nature reserve.
King's Garden
1.6 km
Odense’s historic royal garden – a formal yet welcoming green gateway of lawns, sculptures and summer concerts beside the city’s castle.
Andersen on the bench
1.6 km
Share a bronze bench with Hans Christian Andersen himself in the heart of Odense’s fairy-tale district, where the city’s stories slip quietly into everyday life.
Møntergården
1.6 km
A pocket-sized historic quarter where cobbled courtyards, timbered houses and multimedia galleries bring the story of Odense and Funen vividly to life.
Saint Hans Church
1.7 km
A medieval monastic church of red brick and quiet light, Saint Hans links Odense’s castle, sacred history and old-town charm in one compact, atmospheric stop.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Sezer v/Askin
0.8 km
Cosy Odense neighborhood steakhouse and Italian-inspired eatery serving generous plates, grilled favorites and comfort classics in a warm, easygoing atmosphere.
Den Lille Kabys
0.8 km
Hearty Danish comfort food in a former harbour weighing station, serving generous weekday lunches steps from the water at Odense Havn.
Restaurant Næsbyhoved Skov
1.1 km
Woodland restaurant by Odense Harbour, pairing classic Danish cuisine and seasonal menus with leafy views, bright banquet rooms and easy access to forest paths.
Restaurant Nordatlanten ApS
1.2 km
Refined North Atlantic cuisine and harbour views meet under one roof at Odense’s Nordatlantisk Hus, where seasonal ingredients and Nordic design shape a memorable meal.
Banjo's
1.3 km
Unpretentious Odense grillbar serving classic Danish smørrebrød, hotdogs, burgers and ribbensteg in a casual, everyday setting on Sandhusvej.
Giraffen
1.4 km
Hearty Danish comfort food and a casual bar atmosphere right inside Odense’s main station, ideal for hungry travelers and locals on the go.
Restaurant Aro
1.5 km
Michelin-starred Nordic cuisine where flawless technique meets creative vision in intimate Odense.
Restaurant Under Lindetræet
1.6 km
Intimate fine dining in a 1771 townhouse opposite Hans Christian Andersen’s home, where seasonal Danish cuisine meets softly lit Odense history.
Grønttorvet
1.7 km
Centuries-old Danish inn on Odense’s Sortebrødre Torv, serving hearty traditional dishes with a generous dose of hygge in the city’s atmospheric old town.
Brasserie Bordeaux
1.7 km
A classic French brasserie in central Odense, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with thoughtful wines and cocktails in warm, candlelit surroundings.
Restaurant Oluf Bagers Gaard
1.7 km
Historic merchant's house serving refined Danish cuisine and social dining in the heart of Odense.
La Dolce Vita | Fashion Cafe
1.8 km
Cozy Italian restaurant and café in central Odense, serving classic pizzas, pastas and antipasti in warm, informal surroundings from evening until late.
Restaurant Ribelli
1.8 km
Inventive Italian fine dining with a Funen twist, served in an intimate, design-conscious dining room in the historic heart of Odense.
Den Gamle Kro A/S
1.8 km
Historic timbered inn in central Odense serving elevated Danish classics in candlelit rooms and a charming courtyard, ideal for both intimate meals and celebrations.
Ryan's of Odense
1.8 km
Atmospheric Irish pub in Odense’s lively city center, famed for its live music, warm hospitality, and classic selection of beers and comfort food.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Klassisk Design
0.5 km
An intimate Odense showroom dedicated to restored Danish design classics, where mid‑century furniture by iconic architects finds a new life in contemporary homes.
Dorthe Riber - Trend of Wear
0.6 km
Owner-run Odense boutique offering Scandinavian-inspired everyday fashion, warm personal service and carefully chosen pieces on lively Skibhusvej.
Veda Womenswear Denmark
0.6 km
A cozy neighborhood womenswear boutique in Odense C, offering a curated rack of wearable Danish-style pieces in a calm, morning-only shopping atmosphere.
Hipstory | SHOWROOM ODENSE
0.8 km
Educational art celebrating history's most influential figures in contemporary design.
ButikZoom
0.9 km
Industrial-chic furniture and décor in a former Odense industrial setting, blending raw materials, moody lighting and Nordic restraint into a compact design showcase.
Butik Nordatlanten i Odense
1.2 km
Small but beautifully curated harbour shop in Nordatlantisk Hus, showcasing design, crafts and delicacies from Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Asian Stitching & Applied Arts v / Hong Diem Phan
1.2 km
A small Odense atelier where Asian tailoring craft, careful alterations and garment repair give your favourite clothes a better fit and a longer life.
Baggårdsbutikken
1.2 km
Curated vintage and secondhand fashion in the heart of Odense's city center.
Butik Pulvis
1.4 km
A cosy Odense vintage shop where estate finds, Danish design and everyday curiosities are carefully curated into a calm, characterful treasure trove.
Den Lille Vandal
1.4 km
A cosy Odense shelf market where local families trade gently used children’s clothes, toys and gear, blending everyday practicality with a sustainable, community feel.
Look At This
1.5 km
A small, curated clothing store tucked inside a redbrick former textile factory, where Odense’s industrial past meets calm, contemporary Scandinavian style.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.5 km
Sustainable secondhand shopping supporting humanitarian aid in central Odense.
Living Nice / Café Kleist
1.6 km
Stylish hybrid café and design store in Odense’s Odeons Kvarter, where Scandinavian interiors meet French–Italian café indulgence in a relaxed, home-like setting.
Klods Hans
1.6 km
Characterful fairy-tale souvenir shop in Odense’s historic quarter, offering Andersen-themed gifts and Danish keepsakes in a cosy half-timbered setting.
Reden Op Shop
1.7 km
Small, stylish second-hand boutique in central Odense where quality women’s fashion, community spirit and social impact come together on one friendly shop floor.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Vandpibe Cafe Odense - Casablanca lounge cafe
0.9 km
Cozy Odense shisha lounge blending Middle Eastern café culture with Danish hygge, soft music, and long, sociable evenings over fragrant hookah and drinks.
Ungarsk Vinstue
1.2 km
A warmly worn, dog-friendly brown bodega in central Odense, where cheap beer, local regulars and analog pub life keep a slice of old Denmark quietly alive.
Sir Club
1.6 km
Long‑running Odense beer bar with 27 taps, quiz nights and a relaxed, lived‑in atmosphere where specialty brews and come‑as‑you‑are evenings take the spotlight.
Lørups Vinstue
1.7 km
Old‑school Odense pub with red‑checked tablecloths, cheap beers and sing‑along classics, where students, locals and night owls start – and often finish – a night out.
Rabalder Bar Odense
1.7 km
A small, homely Odense bar styled like grandma’s living room, serving easygoing drinks and sing‑along hits in the heart of the city’s weekend nightlife.
The Flower and the Bee
1.7 km
Experience Odense's vibrant nightlife at The Flower and the Bee, a premier weekend dance bar offering quality cocktails and dynamic music in a lively atmosphere.
Kick Off - Sportspub
1.7 km
Buzzing Odense sports pub with wall-to-wall screens, cold beer and classic bar games, perfect for catching the big match in relaxed, local surroundings.
Den Standhaftige Tinsoldat Af Odense
1.7 km
A small, steadfast neighborhood beer bar in Odense C where inexpensive drinks, local regulars, and a laid-back dive-bar atmosphere tell their own quiet story.
Grand Bar & Lounge
1.9 km
Sophisticated cocktails and refined ambiance in a historic 1897 building at the heart of Odense.
Viggos
2.0 km
Lively, wallet-friendly brown bar in central Odense, pouring cold draft beer, simple pub food and long, sociable nights for students, locals and night owls.
Bootleggers Craft Beer Bar - Odense C
2.0 km
Urban craft beer sanctuary on Odense’s Gråbrødre Plads, pouring rotating specialty brews, free popcorn and laid-back good times from afternoon until late night.
June Bar
2.0 km
Intimate candlelit cocktails, shareable tapas and a warm, relaxed buzz right in the heart of Odense’s nightlife district.
Pianobar odense
2.0 km
Lively late-night piano bar in the heart of Odense C, mixing sing-along classics, casual drinks and a compact, buzzing atmosphere on Kongensgade.
Bar Rar Ltd.
2.0 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Pub 47 - Bills Pub
2.0 km
Smoky, old-school Danish pub energy in the heart of Odense’s main shopping street, with cheap beers, loud nights and a lived-in, brown-bar charm.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
